Newly Appointed Police Commissioner Apologises For Unlawful Strip Search

Newly appointed Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has apologised for an unlawful strip-search of a 27-year-old woman central to a landmark class action that could cost the state millions.

At Lanyon’s formal appointment ceremony at Balmain Police Station on Wednesday morning, Police Minister Yasmin Catley said that Raya Meredith’s 2018 strip-search “should not have happened”.

“I apologise,’ she said. “What happened to Ms Meredith, the police have already acknowledged was unlawful.”

Catley’s comments mark the first official apology from the government. 

In his own speech, Commissioner Lanyon added, “What has been reported is outside our policy and practice. We’ve made significant strides forward in terms of policy, practice, and education.” 

Meredith, who was aged 27 and postpartum when she was strip-searched at a music festival, was taken into a makeshift tarpaulin tent after a drug dog sniffed in her direction, where she was made to remove her clothes, bend over, lift her breasts, and remove her tampon.

In the middle of the search, a male officer walked in unannounced.

Police didn’t find any drugs during the search.

On Tuesday, NSW Supreme Court Justice Dina Yehia released a landmark ruling that opened the door to the state paying millions for unlawful strip-searches. The horrific incident landed Raya Meredith $93,000 in damages plus interest over the “egregious” strip-search.

Lanyon argues strip-search still an effective and ”valid tool” for police

With police shifting focus to those supplying drugs, Lanyon stated there have been “significant” changes within police policy and practice.

“A lot of focus is on drugs and people possessing drugs, but one of the main reasons we strip-search is for weapons,” he said.​

“We are focusing on making sure that we do it appropriately, we do it with dignity, and we do it to make sure that we keep the community safe.”

Lanyon added that the police will work closely with NSW Health to guarantee no drug detection dogs will interfere with the drug checking service during the Upcoming Knockout Outdoor music festival, which will take place this Saturday at Sydney Olympic Park.

This event would be the fourth major event to hold an on-site drug checking service, as part of a 12-month trial to evaluate harm reduction measures.

“We have seen the terrible toll that drugs take at music festivals. We’ve seen young lives lost, and I think it’s really important that we do have sniffer dogs as a tool,” he said.

Lanyon brings more than 37 years of policing experience to the role, and said he wanted to focus on “tackling key priority areas: organised crime, community safety in our regions, supporting victims of domestic and family violence, and ensuring there is social cohesion within the community.”

“It’s an honour to be appointed as the next Commissioner of the NSW Police Force. This is one of the greatest responsibilities in public service,” Commissioner Lanyon said.

“And I want to ensure that every police officer feels united and part of one team, motivated by the purpose and commitment to serve the community of NSW.”

Catley is confident in working together, “He is ready to hit the ground running and has the experience and vision to lead the NSW Police Force into a bright, new era.”